Syllabus Edition
First teaching 2024
First exams 2026
Aquaculture (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))
Revision Note
Written by: Alistair Marjot
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Aquaculture
What is aquaculture?
Aquaculture, also known as fish farming or aquafarming, refers to the cultivation of aquatic organisms in controlled environments such as ponds, tanks, or ocean enclosures
It involves the rearing, breeding, and harvesting of various species of fish, shellfish, algae and other aquatic organisms for commercial, recreational, or conservation purposes
Aquatic flora and fauna, both freshwater and marine, are harvested by humans through various methods to meet different needs and purposes
Aquatic organisms that are farmed include:
Fish
e.g. salmon, tilapia and catfish
Molluscs
e.g. oysters, mussels, scallops and clams
e.g. snails
e.g. octopus and squid
Crustaceans
e.g. shrimp, prawns, lobsters and crabs
Aquatic plants
E.g. seaweed and algae
The growth of aquaculture
Aquaculture has experienced significant growth to meet the increasing global demand for seafood
This is driven by population growth, changing dietary preferences and rising incomes
Aquaculture has the potential to provide a reliable and sustainable source of seafood
This can help to meet the protein needs of a growing population
At the same time, minimise the impact on wild fish stocks
By cultivating aquatic organisms through aquaculture, the pressure on wild fish populations can be reduced
This allows them to recover and the ecological balance of these marine ecosystems to be restored
1. Providing additional food resources:
Aquaculture contributes to global food security by providing an additional source of nutritious food resources
Cultivating fish and shellfish through aquaculture offers a consistent supply of protein-rich seafood
This can help address nutritional deficiencies and improve human health in many parts of the world
The controlled environments of aquaculture systems allow for efficient production and reduced waste
2. Supporting economic development:
Aquaculture has emerged as a significant sector in the global economy
It generates employment opportunities, income and economic growth
It provides livelihoods for millions of people, particularly in coastal and rural communities, where fishing and aquaculture activities are integral to the local economy
Aquaculture encourages trade and investments, contributing to the overall development and prosperity of regions and whole countries
Food for future generations
The growth of aquaculture is expected to continue in the coming years due to several factors:
Rising global demand for seafood: the growing population, urbanisation and changing dietary preferences drive the need for increased seafood production
Technological advancements: ongoing research and technological developments in aquaculture practices, breeding techniques, feed formulations and disease management are enhancing production efficiency and sustainability
Environmental considerations: aquaculture is evolving towards more environmentally friendly and sustainable practices, addressing concerns such as waste management and habitat impacts
Innovation and diversification: the development of new species for aquaculture, such as high-value fish and seaweed, opens up opportunities for market expansion
Policy support: governments and international organisations are promoting and investing in aquaculture development to address food security, reduce pressure on wild fish stocks and support economic growth
Aquaculture Issues
Issues caused by aquaculture include:
Habitat loss
Pollution (with feed, antifouling agents, antibiotics and other medicines added to fish pens)
Spread of diseases
Escaped species (sometimes involving genetically modified organisms)
Ethical Issues and biorights
Issues in Aquaculture
Issue | Description |
|---|---|
Habitat loss | Aquaculture facilities often require the conversion of natural habitats such as wetlands, mangroves, or coastal areas into fish farms These habitats are cleared or modified to create suitable spaces for aquaculture operations This habitat loss can have negative impacts on biodiversity, ecosystem functions and the livelihood of local communities |
Pollution | Excess nutrients from uneaten feed and fish waste can leach into the surrounding water bodies, leading to eutrophication, algal blooms and oxygen depletion Some feed formulations may contain additives, such as growth enhancers or colourants, that can potentially negatively impact water quality Powerful chemicals known as antifouling agents are used to prevent the growth of marine organisms (e.g. mussels and barnacles) on aquaculture infrastructure These biocides can leach into the surrounding water, potentially causing harm to marine life To prevent and treat diseases, aquaculture operations may use antibiotics and other medicines, which can enter the surrounding waters, posing risks to aquatic organisms and contributing to antibiotic resistance |
Spread of diseases | The high density of fish in aquaculture facilities facilitates the spread of diseases among farmed fish This leads to increased disease risks and the need for disease management strategies If proper biosecurity measures are not in place, pathogens can also spread from aquaculture facilities to wild fish populations, impacting their health and survival |
Escaped species | Escape of farmed fish from aquaculture facilities can lead to genetic interactions with wild populations This impacts wild species through competition, interbreeding, or transmission of genetic diseases Some aquaculture operations involve the use of genetically modified fish This raises concerns about potential ecological impacts and ethical considerations if these fish breed with wild populations |
Ethical Issues and biorights | Aquaculture raises ethical questions regarding the treatment and welfare of farmed animals, particularly in intensive farming systems Concerns centre around the confinement and stress experienced by farmed species, the use of antibiotics and growth enhancers, and the overall quality of life for the animals |
In addition, issues in aquaculture can often arise regarding international conservation legislation
Aquaculture must comply with international conservation legislation and regulations to ensure the sustainable use of resources and to protect biodiversity
Compliance with these regulations helps prevent the exploitation of threatened species, maintain ecological balance and ensure the long-term viability of aquaculture practices
Balancing environmental sustainability, animal welfare and legal obligations is crucial to maintaining an equitable and socially responsible aquaculture sector
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